FanDuel NFL 2018: Thanksgiving Lineup

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DETROIT, MI – NOVEMBER 18: Detroit Lions wide receiver Kenny Golladay (19) stretches out to make a finger tip touchdown catch behind Carolina Panthers cornerback James Bradberry (24) during the Detroit Lions versus Carolina Panthers game on Sunday November 18, 2018 at Ford Field in Detroit, MI.(Photo by Steven King/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Wide Receivers: Kenny Golladay, Detroit Lions- $7,200; Tre’Quan Smith, New Orleans Saints- $6,400 & Calvin Ridley, Atlanta Falcons- $6,200

One reason why the Detroit Lions are back in the win column is because of Golladay’s performance against the Carolina Panthers. The second-year wide receiver caught eight passes for 113 yards and one touchdown. He finished the game with 21.3 fantasy points, season and career high.

Golladay now has two games with over 100 yards this season. This was Golladay’s sixth game this year with at least 14 fantasy points and the second time this season in which he finished with at least 14 fantasy points in consecutive games.

In his last two contests, he has been targeted at least 13 times and has recorded a minimum of six receptions in each game. Since the departure of veteran Golden Tate, Golladay’s been Matthew Stafford’s top target.

When Golladay played against the Bears just two weeks ago, he led the Lions in all receiving categories. He caught six passes for 78 yards in the team’s 34-22 loss. On average, receivers are scoring 34.5 fantasy points per game against the Bears, fourth most in the league.

If the Lions fall behind, expect Stafford to start launching the ball to Golladay. In addition, rookie running back Kerryon Johnson suffered a sprained knee in Week 11. If he does not play and Detroit can’t get the ball moving on the ground, Stafford will air it more than usual.

There has been a ton of hype around Saints rookie receiver Smith and last week he finally lived up to it. He caught a career high 10 passes for 157 yards and one score in the team’s 48-7 victory over the Eagles. He was also targeted a game high 14 times.

This is Smith’s second game eclipsing the 100-yard mark. Prior to his breakout performance in Week 11, Smith was never targeted more than six times and never had more than three receptions in a single game. Smith didn’t record a single stat in the team’s previous meeting against the Falcons, however Atlanta has struggled against receivers.

Atlanta’s defense has allowed receivers to score 13 touchdowns, third most amongst teams that are playing on Thanksgiving. They have given up 312.1 total fantasy points to wideouts and on average the position group is scoring 31.2 fantasy points per game.

Brees and company are firing on all cylinders and Atlanta will struggle to contain the Saints’ skill players. Expect the veteran quarterback to look towards Smith’s way more this game, especially if the Falcons have Michael Thomas contained.

The final receiver to make the lineup will also be playing in the night game, but on Smith’s opposing team; Ridley. Atlanta’s rookie wideout only caught three passes for 32 yards in last week’s loss against the Cowboys.

Over the last six games, he has only had one game in which he compiled more than 50 receiving yards, which also happens to be the only game he scored in during that stretch.

Despite Ridley’s tough stretch, his previous performance against the Saints is still stuck in everybody’s head. The rookie caught seven passes for 146 yards and three scores. He led the position group with 37 fantasy points, third most for Week 3.

Even though New Orleans is 9-1, their secondary is still suspect. They have allowed the most yards (2,029) and touchdowns (15) to the position group. In addition, receivers are averaging 37.2 fantasy points per game against the Saints, most in the NFL.

When these two teams met in Week 3 they combined for 80 points, 770 passing yards and eight touchdown passes. Expect a similar matchup on Thanksgiving. Please be aware, both Smith an Ridley were on their team’s respective injury report.